Easter Basket Nomination Giveaway

 
Easter is coming and we know it's been a long and expensive winter for many families. We would like to accept nominations to help up to ten children have a happy Easter morning by donating baskets of goodies to those in need.

If you know of a child whose parents could use a little help with Easter this year, please nominate them and send the following information to us at cathy@cathyscreationsjewelry.com:

-Child's name and age
-Child's gender
-The address we should send the basket to
-Any other information we should know, such as allergies or favorite colors/characters

Not all nominations will be accepted; we ask that you only suggest those who are truly in need. Please understand that our resources are limited and we will do what we can. Thank you!

Day 27...

Our 26 Acts of Kindness for Sandy Hook project has been an emotional roller coaster that has more than proved itself to be worth the time, energy, funds and effort. In giving to others, we have seen complete strangers and close friends be inspired to pay it forward or share what they can offer, and in honoring the victims, we have felt a sense of closure knowing they will not be forgotten.

Hopefully this project has inspired people all around the world to do what they can, when they can, to make a positive change. Whether what you have to offer is financial, material, or as simple as a smile, you have the power to make a difference.

On day 27, as we reflect not only on the lives lost that day but on the powerful implications of the choices we make every day, we have chosen to make one final and anonymous donation to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. We have included no letter of explanation, and we have chosen not to dedicate it to this project or to any of the lives lost that day. Rather, we make this donation with the hope that those who are in crisis or who feel that someone they love is facing difficulties will make the choice to connect themselves with the appropriate resources to prevent a loss of life. This donation is for the future, and not the past.

If you or someone you know needs help, do not hesitate to act.

For 24-hour crisis support, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Jack Pinto

Our twenty-sixth random act of kindness for the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy honors the memory of Jack Pinto, age 6, who was known for his extreme love for the New York Giants. Jack was an athletic child who loved playing sports and admired Victor Cruz.

The Giants participate in several community activities, including Read Across America, sponsored by the NEA. In honor of Jack's love of the Giants, we have donated to contribute to this program so that other children can appreciate the joy of learning along with their their favorite sports team.

(Find out more about what we're doing and why)

Mary Sherlach

Our twenty-fifth random act of kindness for the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy honors the memory of Mary Sherlach, age 56, a school psychologist known for her love of helping students and families overcome difficulties. Her entire career was dedicated to helping others, and Mary planned to retire at the end of this school year to spend more time with loved ones. Mary is credited with attempting to charge the gunman, running toward him in an attempt to save others; she lost her life for her brave and heroic choice.

Mary was a member of Trumbull Community Women, an organization dedicated to community service. For over a decade, Trumbull Community Women have hosted a Relay for Life annual walk. In Mary's honor, we have donated to the local Connecticut chapter of Relay for Life.

(Find out more about what we're doing and why)

Jesse Lewis

Our twenty-fourth random act of kindness for the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy honors the memory of Jesse Lewis, age 6, who loved pretending to be a farmer and tending to a toy horse on his lawn. He played soccer and enjoyed sports; his father describes him as a brave, loving boy and says that young Jesse was credited by authorities with trying to lead other children out of the school building.

In Jesse's honor, we are donating a set of toy horses to the Speech Language Pathology department at All Children's Hospital in Florida. This was lovingly suggested to us by our friend Dana, whose mother also had a passion for horses and whose son underwent therapy in this facility. Dana noted that there was a need for more toys in these offices to help children. Thank you, Dana, for helping us find a great home for these toys to honor Jesse.

(Find out more about what we're doing and why)

Avielle Richman

Our twenty-third random act of kindness for the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy honors the memory of Avielle Richman, age 6, who loved riding and tending horses, the color red and the Harry Potter books. After watching the Disney movie “Brave,” she was inspired to try archery. Her father kept a blog about her daily life in the family and noted everything from her birthday and the joys of being Avielle's father, to such quirky and cute things as her love for minivans.

In memory of Avielle and her favorite book series, we donated the complete set of Harry Potter books to a local library. It is our hope that this donation will allow more children to experience something that brought joy to Avielle's life.

(Find out more about what we're doing and why)

Victoria Soto

Our twenty-second random act of kindness for the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy honors the memory of Victoria Soto, age 27, a first grade teacher who died trying to protect her students. Her quick and selfless response is credited with saving some of the lives in her classroom. Family and friends remember her as a loving teacher who lit up in the presence of her students and who thought and spoke of them fondly, calling them her "angels" and always striving to do more for them.

In remembrance of Victoria Soto's dedication to her students and her passion and love for them, Cathy made a special donation of needed classroom supplies to her local elementary school to a first grade teacher whose impact on students was close to her own heart:

"Patti Torchio was my son's Kindergarten and first grade teacher. George was an extremely shy and introverted child. By the first grade, Ms. Torchio had brought him out of his shell and he became a social butterfly with no shyness in sight. She cares for her children as if they were her own and not a day goes by that you don't see the distinctive "Patti Smile;" her whole face lights up.

Thank YOU, Patti, for all that you have done for George and the many children whose lives you have changed and enriched throughout the years." - Cathy

 Cathy and her son George, presenting the supplies and flowers to Ms. Torchio (center)

(Find out more about what we're doing and why)